Choosing Strollers Pushchairs

For those who regularly take public transport or travel by plane, a lightweight and easy-touse pushchair is crucial. Choose one that folds flat and compactly, and is machine-washable to deal with spilled drinks or leaky diaper staining.

We love strollers that glide smoothly on pavements and kerbs easily. Look for car seat attachments that almost feel like they install themselves and a handlebar that is adjustable to suit parents of all heights.

Ease of Use

There are many different types of strollers pushchairs to suit all lifestyles and budgets. Some are extremely light and compact and easy to fold and carry, while others have larger frames that are more robust for long walks or use on rough terrain. Many come with a basket to carry your shopping items or bags to change your clothes in so that you'll have everything you require. Some are made to be used in cities, whereas others are for travelling or country living.

Strollers are usually suitable for babies from birth, allowing them to recline in a flat position, which is recommended for their healthy lung and spinal development. Many can also attach a carrycot that is compatible with a car seat which makes them transport systems that are suitable from birth to toddlerhood. Some offer extra design elements like a handlebar that can be adjusted in height for parents with different heights, as well as a spacious shopping basket or rain cover to help you keep baby dry.

Three-wheeled pushchairs are more suitable for city dwellers as they are light, agile, and easy to move around. Four-wheel pushchairs tend to be more durable, making them ideal for families living in rural areas or are planning on spending a lot of time in the open air. Look for reviews by parents who express their opinions on how simple the pushchair is to use - like how much it weighs or how easy it will be to navigate. It's also worth noticing how big the base is and whether it's stable enough for your child to use, particularly if you're planning to take the stroller off-road or on difficult terrain.

Safety

Strollers and pushchairs should be safe for toddlers and infants to avoid entrapment or other injuries. Make sure you choose a sturdy base that doesn't easily tip and ensure you test the safety harness by putting weight on it or hanging bags over it, to see how stable it feels. Also check the leg openings aren't enough to keep the legs of a baby from sliding through and that the handles are at waist level or slightly lower to allow for a more ergonomic use. A brake that is easy to operate and locks the back wheels is another essential feature. You should look for a model that has brakes integrated into the wheels, instead of on the frame. This will help avoid pinch points and choking dangers.

Many strollers have seats that recline into a flat position, making them ideal for infants. For head control and breathing it is recommended that newborns lay flat for the first few months. Some pushchairs pushchairs can be described as having a reclined seating position, but they don't. Be sure to check.

Make sure the stroller is equipped with an adjustable five-point harness (two straps over the shoulders, two for the thighs and one around the crotch) similar to those used in car seats. This is essential to prevent the child from falling out or being pulled out by vehicles or pedestrians.

Check that the stroller comes with a parking brake that's easy to use and locks the front two wheels. This will help to stop the stroller rolling away when you're loading or unloading your child or when you're taking a break to take a break.

Comfort

You want to be comfortable whether you're pushing a toddler, or carrying a backpack full of nappies and coffee to take home. Choosing a stroller with big robust, puncture-proof wheels that can glide across rough terrain and have a super-smooth suspension will ensure you have the ability to do that.

A pushchair that folds easily and compactly will help. It can be difficult to squeeze a large pushchair into the boot of your car, or to climb up a flight stairs, especially if you have a toddler along with you. It's also worth thinking about the purpose for which you'll use it and what the weather is likely to be like. So opting for a stroller with a hood that protects your child from the elements of wind, rain and sunbeams is an excellent idea.

The final factor of comfort is how easy it is to steer and control the pushchair. Be sure to check out our reviewers' opinions on maneuverability, which takes into consideration things like how well strollers pirouette across various surfaces and how easy it is to push chair it up hills.

Many pushchairs include accessories that can help keep your baby cool or warm - such as fans and footmuffs. Some brands even come with their own nappy changing bags that make traveling with your baby more convenient.

A travel system offers greater flexibility. It is comprised of a stroller chassis (called the chassis), a seat unit which can be positioned either front-facing or parent-facing as well as a bassinet or carrycot. You can take the car seat out and on the chassis as necessary without waking your baby. The perfect solution if you're frequently on the move and often need to alter your plan of travel.

Style

While the terminology used for strollers pushchairs, prams and buggies can be confusing, there are some things that all of them have in common. Remember that they are designed to get your baby from point A to B. Think about how you will use it and select features that fit your needs.

For instance, if you're going to spend lots of time on uneven surfaces, such as sand or muddy fields you might consider an all-terrain pushchair with large, sturdy puncture proof wheels and suspension to ensure it is more comfortable for your baby. If your baby is hot on long walks you might want a parasol to shield them from the sun, or a baby fan to keep them cool.

Some pushchairs come with adjustable seat positions so you can choose whether your baby is facing you to give them a sense of security or the world to see it. Some carrycots have a seat that can flip to face you or away from you. Additionally, some offer an all-flat recline that is suitable for newborns. Some models have a car adapter, Isofix compatibility or 3 in 1 systems that you can use from birth.

A twin pushchair allows you to carry two children at once. There are models with two or one seat that are independent that are light, compact, and have plenty of storage space, larger canopy, and a more maneuverable wheel. Many of our test subjects liked the idea of a double pushchair but discovered that some adjusters for the handlebars were difficult to operate using just one hand. Some adjust by rotating on a pivot point and this caused many to push their hands towards the frame. Other systems that telescopically move in and out of the frame's sides were simpler to use, even for taller parents.

Storage

The amount of storage space in a stroller will affect your decision to purchase it. Take note of the space under the seat, the footwell, and the large basket. If you plan to purchase any additional accessories for your pushchair, such as a tray for parents or a travel changing pouch, this will be an important factor.

A tray for the parent helps to make it easier to use the stroller by offering additional storage space for snacks and essentials. However, it can add weight to the stroller and increase its folding dimensions, making it awkward and bulky. It is important to keep in mind that the majority of tray for parents feature small cup holders. This could cause items to fall off the tray when you travel or strolling.

You should consider purchasing a large stroller that is bassinet-compatible If you are planning to carry your baby's stroller from birth. These models come with larger storage baskets, fully-covered canopy and reclined seats. They are often more expensive than a compact pushchair stroller or a stroller that is lightweight.

Maneuverability is an essential feature of any stroller. It determines the ease of steering even when empty, as well as how smoothly the stroller glides over various surfaces like grass or pavements. This quality will degrade as you and your child increase in size, and the weight of the stroller increases.

Some pushchairs are able to be converted into a toddler pushchair by making use of adapters. They are designed to work with infant car seats. This makes the transition from stroller into pram easier as your child develops.